The ABCDE prioritization method

Label every task A (must), B (should), C (nice), D (delegate), or E (eliminate) before starting.

Why it works

Forcing each task into a ranked category prevents the trap of treating a flat list as equally weighted, where the easiest item wins by default. By assigning consequences (an A has serious consequences if undone; a C has none), it ties prioritization to real stakes rather than to how appealing each task feels.

How to do it

1. Write your task list, then label each A, B, C, D, or E by its consequence if left undone.
2. Number within each letter (A-1, A-2) so you have a single top task.
3. Never do a B while an A remains; delegate every D and delete every E.

Evidence

The consequence-based ranking is consistent with goal-setting and prioritization research on the value of explicit, ordered priorities over undifferentiated lists. (observational)

The specific ABCDE scheme is Tracy’s practitioner system; what’s supported is that explicit prioritization beats none, not this exact labeling.

Common mistake

Marking too many tasks "A", which recreates an undifferentiated list — the discipline is in keeping the A category small.